Leitz Cine debuts 40mm HUGO lens expands popular Leitz Cine Set

Leitz Cine GmbH is adding a 40mm T1.5 lens to its Leitz HUGO series of prime lenses for cinematography. This focal length brings the set to 14 total lenses ranging from 18mm to 135mm.

The Leitz HUGO series has caught the imagination of cinematographers around the world searching for a look that brings character and softness to modern digital sensors without the compromises found in older lenses. The glass in most HUGO lenses is sourced from Leica’s M rangefinder lenses and exhibits a similar gentle field curvature, with a gradual fall-off toward the corners that draws the viewer toward the center of the image. While a 40mm does not exist in current Leica optics, it was created with support from Leica Camera’s designers to ensure on-brand performance.

“The 40mm is a classic focal length in cinematography,” said Rainer Hercher, Managing Director of Leitz Cine. “As soon as we released the HUGOs it was the most requested focal length to add, and we are happy to fulfill this need in the market for more Leitz glass.”

The lenses in the HUGO series include the 66mm T2.1 and the 50mm T1.0. The 66mm uses the same design as the fLeica ELCAN “Spy Lens” from the 1960s/70s, one of the most rare lenses ever produced by Leica. The 50mm uses the glass of Leica’s 50mm f/0.95 Noctilux-M, an iconic lens in the Leica Camera pantheon of optics.

The Leitz HUGO 40mm lens is scheduled to be delivered in Q4 of 2025 with preorders open now.